by SuperSlab » Wed Aug 31, 2016 10:47 pm
I received my Thunder Slot Lola today: thanks Mike!
Unfortunately I do not have my own track so running impressions will have to wait until Friday evening at our regular races. Some first impressions:
* As others have noted, dimension-wise Thunder Slot have taken some liberties. Not as bad as the NSR Mosler but still pretty noticeable. It is obviously shorter and lower than it should be.
* As a model (shape, finish), the car looks pretty good. Not comparable with the best of the best but generally pretty good. I am satisfied. Unlike Goosenapper I found mine to have a very good, shiny finish.
* Similar to the approach with the dimensions, the body is clearly meant for racing as it is very thin and light.
* Another indication of its racing aspirations: the wheels are small and the car is VERY low to the ground. Ground clearance is minimal.
* I consider it a great pity that they have gone for unique wheel dimensions (with the very low rib). It is not clear to me why they would have done that as it is hard to see any benefit and it does make using generally available aftermarket tyres impossible.
* From visual and tactile inspection, the tyres seem very NSR Supergrip-like. I will be running the car with unglued and untrued tyres on Friday: will have to see how it goes.
* I know that people have different takes on this and I am familiar with the arguments for this, but I am unconvinced as to the value of "air rims". Because of the fact that these are air rims and because of the oddball size I intend replacing the rear wheels with CB Design insert wheels and urethane tyres. Note that the inserts are a direct fit in 15" CB Design wheels.
* The chassis is of the softest I have EVER seen on a modern plastic RTR car. Whether this is a plus or a minus remains to be seen. I am naturally a bit skeptical for use on wood but I will reserve judgement until I have run the car.
* Likewise the pod is extremely soft: comments as per the chassis. I fear the car may hop....
* The net result of the thin body, chassis and pod is a very light car: 63.6g for the car I received. Whether this is a good or a bad thing remains to be seen.
* Others have commented on the absence of the rear "strap" to better control the rear of the pod. While it has been stated that the manufacturer (and the sellers: thanks Mike!) will be providing this part, I think the original call to treat this as optional is questionable, particularly because of the softness of the chassis and pod. I must say that if it were up to me I would rather have left out the middle set of screws and plastic "nuts" that go into the "outriggers".
* Others have commented on the mix of hex and Torx screws. In principle this is no different than the common mix of Phillips & hex I suppose. I am fortunate enough to have the right size Torx wrench as I have Black Arrow cars. Torx heads are vastly superior to Phillips so I am OK with that.
* Plastic front wheels and gears: another one that I am somewhat neutral over. If the wheels are round and the gears mesh well and are durable I am OK with it. How much money did it save? Not sure. But I must say if I had my druthers I would have preferred metal.
* I like the ability to adjust the body height with (not included) grub screws. Because these are really optional plus I am sure we all have numerous 2mm grub screws, the absence is no biggy for me.
* I also very much like the adjustable front axle height: this I think is essential in any slot car with performance aspirations.
So overall I consider it an interesting and valuable addition to the range of cars available. As for performance: the proof of the pudding as always will be in the eating. I am looking forward to running the car on Friday!
Alwyn